With many GP practices and pharmacies closing for the May Day bank holiday (Monday, May 1), North Ayrshire residents are being urged to prepare to cope with any common health concerns.

Most pharmacies in North Ayrshire will be closed on Monday 1 May 2017 with the exception of:

* Well Pharmacy, 18 - 20 Main Street, Beith, open 9am – 6pm.

* Lloyds, 151 Main Street, Kilwinning, open 9am – 6pm.

* Boots, 77 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats, open 9am – 5.30pm.

* Arran (Lamlash) Pharmacy, Red House, Lamlash, Isle of Arran, open 9am – 4pm.

* Arran Pharmacy, Shore Road, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, open 11am – 3pm (pharmacist available between 1pm and 2pm).

* Arran Pharmacy, Brodick, open 9am – 4pm.

Community pharmacists can answer questions on choosing and using the right medicine and provide easy-to-understand advice on treating everyday ailments. 

NHS 24 also has a number of community pharmacists who are able to answer medicine and pharmacy-related questions over the telephone on freephone 111.

You can also do a number of things to ensure you are prepared to deal with common illnesses for the coming months. Have a sufficient supply of medicines like paracetamol, sore throat and cough remedies, as these will help to relieve the symptoms of common ailments. If you take regular medication, check your existing supplies and only order what you need to see you through the bank holiday weekend.

If you need a doctor urgently and your GP’s surgery is closed, call NHS 24 on 111. For emergency dental treatment, call NHS 24 on 111.